MERCEDES-BENZ SHOOTING BREAK CONCEPT
In October 2004 Mercedes-Benz claims it established a new market segment with the four-door Coupe CLS, or you could say it diluted the sense of a coupe forever. In September 2008, the brand revealed the coupe-based Fascination concept car.
And now, making its premiere at Auto China 2010, is the Shooting Break concept. Mercedes designers are presenting a possible future development of the Coupe concept. The Shooting Break concept dates back to the horse and cart, but was popularized in Britain in the '50s and '60s with coachbuilt customizations of existing platforms. In the '70s, Jaguar and Aston Martin spinoffs elongated their coupe sports cars into low, sleek wagons.
Wide and flat, with a long hood and roofline, the Mercedes Shooting Break concept features some interesting proportions, which are clearly reminiscent of the CLS. The design of the front is similar to the SLS AMG sports car: the radiator grille, with the large star and eye-catching, bionic slats, is not integrated into the hood but was designed separately as a "soft nose". The grille is flanked on each side by LED headlamps, which feature LED technology for all the dynamic light functions. The side profile has an exaggerated beltline sweeping towards the rear, and the dramatic character line is supported by the powerful rear fenders. The coupe-like profile is also emphasized with a low window design highlighting the greenhouse with polished aluminum trim.
The interior is dominated by natural wood and leather. One eye-catching feature is the full-length center console. It highlights the four- seat layout as well as the high levels of comfort afforded by the Shooting Break concept. The wooden floor of the luggage compartment reflects the interpretation of this area of the vehicle, where the dark-stained oak contrasts against inlaid aluminum loading strips.
The Shooting Break concept car is driven by the forerunner to the forthcoming new V-engine generation from Mercedes-Benz. The V6 benefits from a 60? cylinder angle and a displacement of 3.5 liters, and featrues direct injection enabling lean-burn operation. It produces 306hp with a maximum torque of 273 lb-ft and sets new standards for fuel consumption.
In Detail
A special feature of the Shooting Break is the recessed, filigree door handles. Thanks to sensors, they emerge only when touched to allow access to the interior. The twin pipe exhaust system, with two polished tailpipes, is integrated into the rear bumper, which features an elegantly curved wing. Also contributing to the special appearance of the Shooting Break concept car is the exceptional paint finish. A satin-finish clearcoat has been used, which gives the vehicle's allanite grey magno color a unique glint.
source: eurotuner
